Prenatal visits are a cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. Whether you’re a first-time mom or expecting again, each check-up offers reassurance, guidance, and an opportunity to ensure both you and your baby are thriving. Understanding what happens at each visit can ease anxiety and help you feel more empowered in your pregnancy journey.

Highlights:

• Prenatal visits follow a regular schedule: Monthly until 28 weeks, biweekly until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery.
• Early visits focus on establishing health baselines, including bloodwork, ultrasounds, and medical history reviews.
• Ongoing appointments monitor baby’s growth, fetal heartbeat, maternal weight, blood pressure, and urine to track pregnancy progress.
• Later visits prepare you for labor and delivery, including checking baby’s position, doing Group B strep testing, and reviewing your birth plan.
• Come prepared with questions and symptoms to make the most of each visit and ensure both you and your baby stay healthy.

Why Prenatal Visits Matter

These appointments are more than just routine—they are essential for tracking your baby’s development, catching potential issues early, and supporting your overall well-being. They also give you a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and build a relationship with your healthcare provider.

Frequency of Visits

Most prenatal care follows a general schedule:

• Weeks 4–28: One visit per month
• Weeks 28–36: One visit every two weeks
• Weeks 36–birth: One visit per week

Of course, this schedule may be adjusted if you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific medical needs.

What to Expect at Your Visits

First Prenatal Visit (Typically 6–8 Weeks)

This is usually the longest appointment. You can expect:

• Medical history review: Including menstrual cycle, past pregnancies, surgeries, and family health.
• Physical exam: Including pelvic exam, pap smear, weight, height, and blood pressure.
• Blood tests: To check for blood type, Rh factor, anemia, and infections.
• Urine sample: To test for signs of infection or conditions like gestational diabetes.
• Dating ultrasound: To confirm due date and check for multiples.
• Lifestyle counseling: About nutrition, exercise, supplements, and avoiding harmful substances.

You’ll likely also discuss prenatal vitamins and may receive educational material.

Second Trimester Visits (Weeks 13–27)

These appointments become more routine:

• Vitals check: Blood pressure, weight, and urine tests.
• Fundal height measurement: To track baby’s growth.
• Fetal heartbeat monitoring: Often with a Doppler device—many moms find this part emotional and exciting.
• Screening tests: These may include genetic testing and the anatomy scan around 18–22 weeks to assess baby’s organs, limbs, and gender (if desired).
• Symptom check: Your provider will ask about nausea, fatigue, swelling, or other changes.

These visits are also a great time to start discussing birthing classes and early birth plan ideas.

Third Trimester Visits (Weeks 28–40+)

Visits become more frequent and focused on labor preparation:

• Ongoing vitals and urine checks
• Fundal height and fetal position checks
• Group B strep test: Usually between 35–37 weeks.
• Cervical checks: To assess dilation and effacement as labor nears.
• Discussion of labor signs: Including when to call your provider or go to the hospital.
• Birth plan review: Including preferences for pain management, delivery methods, and postpartum care.

Some providers may do a non-stress test or additional ultrasounds if there are concerns about baby’s growth or movement.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Visits

• Keep a running list of questions in your phone or journal to bring up during your appointment.
• Bring your partner or support person—they can help you remember important info or advocate for your preferences.
• Be honest about your symptoms or concerns. There’s no such thing as TMI when it comes to your health and your baby’s.
• Track baby’s movements (especially in the third trimester) and report any noticeable changes.

Final Thoughts

Prenatal visits are a powerful tool in promoting a healthy pregnancy and reducing stress. Knowing what to expect at each stage allows you to focus more on bonding with your baby and preparing for the incredible transition into parenthood. If you ever feel confused or unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your provider for clarification—they’re there to support you every step of the way.